Agricultural Practices and Traditional Preservation of Taro (Colocasia spp.) in Abaya Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Taro has been cultivated mainly and extensively in dense populated areas of South, Southwest and Western parts of Ethiopia. It has been used as a food source which minimizes food gaps when other crops are not on the field. The present study was carried out in Abaya Woreda to assess agricultural practices and traditional preservation of taro (Colocasia spp.). Materials and methods: Data was collected by cluster analysis survey methods from purposively selected three kebeles such as Bochessa, Kalaltu and Guangua Badiya, based up on the cultivation practice of taro and twenty house hold farmers were selected from each kebele by the guidance of DA (Developmental Agencies). Results: The agronomic practices of these crops shows that there where variation between the kebeles. Godare Gurati is highly cultivated in Bochessa kebele (58.3%) and in Guangua Badiya (41.7%). Godare Duri (66.7%) and Yitri Filatama (85.7%) are highly cultivated by the farmers of Kalaltu kebele. Taro is propagated highly both by old and young corm in Bochessa kebele as 71.4% of farmers responded. Farmers of Kalaltu kebele propagate taro crops mostly by young corms (50%) but very low in Bochessa kebele (10%). Farmers in Bochessa kebele (61.1%) practiced both mono-cropping and inter cropping systems. Intercropping system is much known in Kalaltu kebele (73.7%) and mono-cropping system (52.2%) of taro crops is highly known than the other kebeles. Seventy five percent of the farmers in Kalaltu kebele plant taro crops randomly without taking care for distance. Conclusion: As result shows people of the study area have traditional agronomic practices. However there were no any scientific guidance, all farmers are practicing a traditional cultivation way which needs important attention to increase modern cultivation practices for improvement of yield and crops management system Keywords: Taro; Tradition; Preservation; Agronomy; Practice; Farmers; Colocasia; Knowledge